Confusion over Pat McCabe’s future after third neck break
Specialist recommends 26-year-old quit after third fracture in less than three years
Wallaby back Pat McCabe has retired from rugby after fracturing his neck for a third time, his ACT Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham said Wednesday - but McCabe's club ACT Brumbies denied that.
The 26-year-old suffered a jarring knock on Saturday night in Australia’s 51-20 loss to the All Blacks at Eden Park and Larkham said a meeting with a specialist on Tuesday had confirmed another fracture.
“[It’s] very disappointing news, actually. He had a scan over in New Zealand and it was reported to have had a little fracture in his neck,” Larkham said.
“He’s since seen a specialist in Sydney and the specialist has confirmed it is a fracture in there, and that he strongly suggests never to play ever again.
“I think at this stage, Patty’s made the decision that he’s not going to play again.”
Brumbies later tweeted that McCabe had yet to decide and there would be an announcement on Thursday.